5 Homeowner Decisions That Can Lead to Design and Renovation Disasters

1. Managing your own design project.
Too often, homeowners decide to manage their projects without a thorough understanding of the design and construction process. A little knowledge can be dangerous. You might be an organized and experienced manager in your particular field, but those skills don’t always translate to a successful design and build project.

It’s often the unknowns (or those you can’t anticipate) that result in issues, delays, missing contractors, and lackluster results. Having a project manager who is experienced in design and construction and knows how the process works will help you avoid the minefield of issues that could arise.

Example: Scheduling contractors only to have them show up and learn that the job site is not ready for their work can lead to frustration and additional costs. There are many nuanced procedures within the industry that, when skipped, can lead to issues.

2. Not having a complete design before starting construction.
A design is more than a concept. A design is a complete set of plans showing every aspect of your space and how it will come together. Shopping for a few decorative items is not the place to start, and can often lead to backtracking when you realize that what you are building will not accommodate some of the products you purchased early on.

Design should always come first, before any shopping and purchasing. Many homeowners skip this part of the project and assume that their contractor will “figure it out,” but even the best contractor can only do so much without a thoughtful, cohesive plan. Having a complete design before construction starts also allows you to have the project properly quoted, which will give you a much more realistic idea of the project cost before construction begins.

3. Not getting help from the right professionals.
One thing that I have noticed after 20+ years of designing and renovating homes is that homeowners are never short on advice from well-meaning friends, family, and neighbors. For a homeowner who is feeling a little unsure of themselves, this can lead to many sleepless nights and doubts. The result? Mid-project changes, delays, and added costs.. Get advice from professionals and stay the course. This will lead to the best results.

4. Not choosing the appropriate products and materials.
Design professionals have experience with many products and materials. This allows designers to select materials that are appropriate for your project, usage, budget, and the desired look that you want to create. Choosing products randomly without a cohesive design vision will almost always lead to a disjointed look. It’s not just about selecting a product that you like; it’s about selecting products that work well together to create the desired look.

5. Designing the space as you build.
This is the number one way to add cost to your project. Making decisions as you build is perhaps the most common misstep that homeowners make, which can lead to renovation mistakes and sometimes even costly disasters. Deciding on design configurations and design elements as you go leads to backtracking for plumbers, electricians, and other trade professionals working on your home. Something that seems like a minor change to you can actually mean big changes for other elements that have already been planned or installed.

Even if you decide to attempt your project without professional help, avoiding these five decisions will help you have a better chance of success.

Until Next Time,

Gia